Self cleaning water pipe

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a self-cleaning water pipe including a secondary pipe that directs a stream of filtered water to the top of the main pipe. The stream of water is introduced to the main pipe proximate or adjacent to the mouthpiece in a lateral direction so as to cover the entire inner surface of the main pipe with a water membrane. The water membrane presents a barrier to smoke residue and particulates from being deposited on the inner surface of the main pipe. A tertiary pipe may also introduce a stream of water to a downstem pipe so as to create a similar water membrane in the downstem pipe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a water pipe smoking device. Moreparticularly, the present invention is directed to a self-cleaning waterpipe that aids in preventing residue and particulates found in smokefrom depositing on the interior surfaces of the smoking device.

People have been using water filtered smoking apparatuses for thousandsof years. Most smokers that use the water pipe as their primary smokingdevice enjoy the large volume of smoke that is possible to intake in asingle breath of air, allowing for more potent draws with less time.

Problems with the common water pipe smoking device are that it issusceptible to getting filthy fast. Once the apparatus is dirty, smokerstend to shy away from using the device because of the foul odors itemits as well as the additional harshness that breathing in foul odorsentails. In addition, the water pipe will look visibly dirty to thepoint of being unsanitary, and will require immense time and effort tokeep clean.

Traditional water pipe smoking devices consist of a main pipe having avolume of water in the bottom thereof. A top of the main pipe has amouthpiece and a downstem passes through the side of the main pipe at orbelow the surface of the volume of water.

A material to be smoked, e.g., tobacco or herbs, is burned in a bowlattached to the downstem. When a user draws a breath on the mouthpiece,the smoke from the burning material is drawn through the downstem andinto the volume of water. The smoke the passes through the water,exiting the surface into the interior of the main pipe. Furtherinhalation draws the smoke through the mouthpiece and into the user'smouth or lungs depending upon how deeply the user inhales.

Through the routine use of a water pipe, residue and particulatespresent in the smoke are deposited on interior surfaces of the waterpipe. The residue and particulates deposited on the interior surfacesgive the water pipe a cloudy, dirty, and unclean appearance,particularly in the case of transparent or translucent glass or plasticwater pipes. Depending upon how frequently such residue and particulatesare cleaned, the same may be difficult or impossible to remove. Thesurface may also be permanently stained with some of the residue.

In addition, some water pipes are too narrow and/or too fragile to cleanby hand. A person seeking to clean the interior surfaces of a water pipemay not be able to reach their hand into the interior of the main pipe.While brushes and similar tools may be able to reach into smaller pipes,the residue and/or particulates may be caked on too strongly to removewithout additional pressure. Furthermore, the water pipe may beconstructed out of fragile material that could not withstand thevigorous pressure needed to remove some caked on residue andparticulates.

Accordingly, there is a need for a water pipe that prevents depositionof residue and/or particulates from interior surfaces thereof, or, inthe alternative, makes it easier to remove the same. The presentinvention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a self-cleaning water pipe thatpresents a barrier to smoke residue and particulates from beingdeposited on interior surfaces of the water pipe. An object of thepresent invention is to aid in keeping a water pipe clean over extendedperiods of time. Another object of the present invention is to aid inkeeping the water in a water pipe clean over extended periods of time. Afurther object of the present invention is to present smoother smokedraws from a water pipe because of reduced exposure of the smoke todebris in the water. A still further object of the present invention isto produce a cooler smoke because of increased surface area contact andmotion between the water and the smoke. Yet, a still further object ofthe present invention is to provide a more aesthetically pleasing waterpipe over longer durations of use.

The present invention is directed to a self-cleaning water pipeapparatus. The apparatus includes a typical water pipe consisting of amain pipe having a smoke chamber with a mouthpiece at a first end and awater chamber at a second end. The mouthpiece, smoke chamber, and waterchamber are all in fluid communication being contained within the samecontinuous main pipe. A downstem pipe passes through the side wall ofthe main pipe with a first end of the downstem pipe being adapted toreceive a burn bowl and a second end being in fluid communication withthe water chamber.

The improvement of the present invention includes a filter unit in fluidcommunication with the water chamber, and a pump unit in fluidcommunication with the filter unit. A secondary pipe has a first end influid communication with an outlet from the pump unit and a second endconnected to a secondary inlet on the main pipe proximate to themouthpiece. The secondary inlet is in fluid communication with the smokechamber.

The secondary inlet is preferably connected to the main pipe immediatelyadjacent to the mouthpiece. The secondary inlet is preferably connectedto the main pipe at an approximately tangential angle relative to a sideof the main pipe. The secondary pipe and inlet is further is configuredto inject water into the smoke chamber in a generally lateralorientation relative to a central axis of the main pipe. For ease ofconfiguration, the secondary pipe preferably wraps around the main pipein a helix.

The self-cleaning water pipe may further include a tertiary pipe havinga first end in fluid communication with the pump unit and a second endconnected to a tertiary inlet proximate to the first end of the downstempipe. The tertiary inlet is in fluid communication an interior of thedownstem pipe. The first end of the tertiary pipe is preferablyconnected to the secondary pipe proximate to the pump unit.

The pump unit is preferably adapted to force liquid through thesecondary pipe to the secondary inlet under sufficient pressure suchthat the liquid swirls completely around an interior surface of thesmoke chamber proximate to the mouthpiece.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-cleaning water pipe of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of a base unit of the self-cleaning water pipeof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a close-up, cut-away view of the mouthpiece and secondary pipeinlet of the self-cleaning water pipe of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base unit and water chamber ofthe self-cleaning water pipe of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of the filter unit, batterycompartment, and base unit of the self-cleaning water pipe of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is an environmental view of and upper portion of theself-cleaning water pipe of the present invention illustrating the flowof water through the secondary pipe;

FIG. 7A is an illustration of the secondary pipe partly wound around themain pipe of the self-cleaning water pipe of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is an illustration of the secondary pipe running straight up themain pipe of the self-cleaning water pipe of the present invention;

FIG. 7C is an illustration of the secondary pipe wound in a helix aroundthe main pipe of the self-cleaning water pipe of the present invention;and

FIG. 8 is a close-up view of the downstem including the tertiary pipe ofthe self-cleaning water pipe of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, the self-cleaning water pipe ofthe present invention is generally referred to by reference numeral 10in FIGS. 1-8. The individual components of the water pipe 10 representthe main pipe 12, the downstem pipe 14, a filter unit 16, a pump unit18, and a secondary pipe 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the self-cleaning water pipe 10 is similar toother water pipes meant for smoking, in that it uses a main pipe 12 tohold water in a water chamber 22 in a lower end 12 a thereof. Thedownstem tube 14 enters the main pipe 12 at or below the water level 24so that its inlet is submerged in the water and the smoke is channeledthrough the water and into the main tube 12. A burn bowl 26 or similarlyshaped piece fits into the downstem pipe 14 and holds the material to besmoked.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the self-cleaning water pipe 10 is different fromconventional smoking pipes because it includes the filter unit 16, thepump unit 18, and a power source 28. In addition, the water ispreferably low in initial particle content (measured by parts permillion, or PPM), as in water that has been filtered via reverse osmosisor similar process.

The water begins in the water chamber 22 at the base of the main pipe12. This water chamber 22 is connected to both the main pipe 12 and thefilter unit 16. The filter unit 16 is positioned in the bottom of thewater chamber 22 or in an adjacent chamber (not shown). The pump unit 18is preferably positioned “downstream” of the filter unit 16 such thatall water moved by the pump unit 18 is drawn through the filter unit 16.This assures that the water is purified and cleaned before it is cycledthrough the self-cleaning water pipe 10 as described below. The outputof the pump unit 18 directs the water into the secondary pipe 20, whichis connected to the top end 12 b of the main pipe 12 adjacent to amouthpiece 30.

When the pump unit 18 is turned on, the water is drawn through thefilter unit 16 by the pump unit 18. The water is forced through the pumpunit 18 and is directed upward through the secondary pipe 20 the top 12b of the water pipe 10, proximate to the mouthpiece 30 where the smokerinhales the smoke. As shown in FIG. 6, the water from the secondary pipe20 is directed through a secondary inlet 32 to the inside surface 12 cof the main pipe 12. After moving across the inside surface 12 c of themain pipe 12 and cascading down the sides to the water chamber 22, thewater is drawn back through the filter unit 16 by the pump unit 18, andthe cycle repeats as long as the pump unit 18 is turned on.

Every time the smoker wishes to use the self-cleaning water pipe 10,they simply need to turn on the pump unit 18, smoke out of the waterpipe 10, and turn off the pump unit 18 when they are done. As long asthe pump unit 18 is on, the water constantly moves through the filterunit 16 in order to keep the water clean.

While in operation, water preferably covers the entire inside surface 12c of the main pipe 12. Because of the barrier created by the watercovering the entire inside surface 12 c, the smoke never touches theinside surface 12 c of the main pipe 12. As soon as residue andparticulates in the smoke touch the cascading water, the same areimmediately pulled downward with the water away from the inside surface12 c and through the filter unit 16, where the residue and particulatesare then removed from the water and trapped.

The water pipe 10 can be made to either plug into a wall outlet (notshown), or be powered a battery 28 on board the water pipe 10. Thefilter unit 16 is preferably changed periodically in order to keep thewater fresh and the pump unit 18 operating smoothly. The water shouldalso be changed periodically in order to further minimize deposition ofresidue and particulates on the inside surface 12 c.

The self-cleaning water pipe 10, consists mainly of the standardcomponents of a basic water pipe 10 a (main pipe 12 and downstem pipe14), along with a base attachment 34 (including the filter unit 16, thepump unit 18, the secondary pipe 20, power source 28, and secondaryinlet 32). The basic water pipe 10 a should be connected to the baseattachment 34 through conventional means (rubber grommets, screws,clamps, fasteners, etc.). The connection of these two features must becompletely water and air-tight to prevent spillage and air leakage.

As mentioned above, the water used in the water pipe 10 is preferablylow in particle content. Specifically, it should be low in salts andresidue before being placed in the water chamber 22. This is crucial tomaintaining a clean water pipe 10. If the water contains excess salt andmineral content, the salts and mineral content will deposit on theinside surface 12 c of the main pipe 12 during periods when the waterpipe 10 is not being used. Droplets will form on the inside surface 12 cof the main pipe 12 once the pump unit 18 is turned off. These dropletswill leave the salts and minerals behind as an undesirable residue oncethey dry through evaporation.

The most preferred water to use is reverse-osmosis (0 PPM) filteredwater, in order to minimize deposits of salts or minerals on the glass.However, certain measures must be taken when using reverse-osmosispurified water in the inventive system because certain materials used inthe pump unit 18 and the water pipe 10 a could be dissolved by suchwater. It is also preferred to use a wetting agent in the water, toreduce the natural surface tension of the reverse osmosis water. Wettingagents allow the water to move freely through the pump unit 18 andsecondary pipe 20, as well as, aiding in dissolving residues from thesmoke.

The secondary pipe 20, secondary inlet 32, and mouthpiece 30, arepreferably connected fluidly connected to each other throughconventional means, e.g., screws, clamps, fasteners, etc. Morepreferably, the secondary pipe 20, secondary inlet 32, and mouthpiece30, may be crafted onto the single piece. Most preferably, the inventivedesign consist of the main pipe 10, the downstem pipe 14, the secondarypipe 20, the mouthpiece 30, and the structure to connect the water pipe10 a to the base 34 as part of a single “pipe apparatus” constructedentirely out of glass. This allows assembly to be streamlined, and theunit to look more aesthetically pleasing.

The main pipe 12 is where the smoke collects above the level of thewater 24 and passes through on each inhale. The inventive design has themain pipe 12 being a generally straight cylinder of glass; however itcould also be made of plastic or metal. The inside surface 12 c needs tobe smooth so that water freely flows over it from top 12 b to bottom 12a. No irregularities should be present so as to not interrupt theuniform flow of water down the sides 12 c of the pipe 12.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the secondary pipe 20 may be straight such that itruns effectively parallel to the main pipe 12. In this case, thesecondary pipe 20 would lead to a 90-degree bend for the secondary inlet32 at the mouthpiece 30. The benefits of a straight run secondary pipe20 is that it requires less material to produce, and may be easier tomanufacture. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7A, the secondary pipe 20may wind around the main pipe 12 for a softer turn (less than 90-degree)into the secondary inlet 32. Most preferably, as shown in FIG. 7C, thesecondary pipe 20 may wrap around the main pipe 12, in a smooth radialpattern that would reduce the vertical movement of the water in relationto the lateral movement of the water (e.g., less steep slope) as thewater is pumped to the top of the main pipe 12. Ideally, the secondarypipe 20 would generally resemble a helix. In a particularly preferredembodiment, the distance between each rotation would decrease as thesecondary pipe 20 gets closer to the top end 12 b of the main pipe 12.[Para 41] Eventually, the secondary pipe 20 reaches the secondary inlet32 where the water is dispensed at the mouthpiece 30 onto the insidesurface 12 c. The secondary inlet 32 preferably passes through the sideof main pipe 12 or the mouthpiece 30 as a shallow angle relative to atangent to the cylindrical shape. The intention is to introduce thewater onto the inside surface 12 c at an angle and with sufficientvelocity that the water completes a full revolution around the insidesurface 12 c of the main pipe 12 before gravity begins to drag the watertoward the bottom end 12 a. This assures more complete coverage of theinside surface 12 c so as to present a barrier against residue andparticulates over nearly the entire inside surface 12 c. By eliminating90-degree angles and similarly sharp bends with a radial directionalityaround the main pipe 12, sources of friction caused by such bends can beeliminated so as to not reduce the velocity of the water leaving thesecondary inlet 32.

The bottom 12 a of the main pipe 12 is where the three pipes—the mainpipe 12, the downstem pipe 14, and the secondary pipe 20—connect withthe base 34. The main pipe 12, the downstem pipe 14, and the secondarypipe 20 may be formed (e.g., blown glass pieces) together with a flange36—glass or rubber. The flange 36 that is attached to the pipes wouldincorporate openings to accommodate each pipe 12, 14, 20, and wouldencircle all three pipes within its own diameter with an additionalmargin.

As described above, the orientation of the secondary inlet 32 relativeto the mouthpiece 30 and inside surface 12 c is extremely important. Thesecondary inlet 32 needs to propel water laterally along the insidesurface 12 c of the main pipe 12. Firstly, the pump unit 18 must besufficiently strong to propel the water to the top 12 b of the main pipe12, as well as, across the entire inside surface 12 c of the main pipe12, so that the water does not fall down the inside surface 12 c underthe force of gravity before completing one revolution of the insidesurface 12 c. The water completing one revolution of the inside surface12 c must “meet” the water that is being propelled from the secondaryinlet 32 before cascading down the inside surface 12 c by the force ofgravity. By ensuring the water completes one revolution around theentire inside surface 12 c at the top 12 b of the main pipe 12, lateralto the central axis of the main pipe 12, the water will create acontinuous liquid membrane along the entire inside surface 12 c from themouthpiece 30 to the level of water 24 in the bottom 12 a of the mainpipe 12. The liquid membrane creates a barrier between the residue andparticulates of the smoke and the inside surface 12 c of the main pipe12.

The secondary inlet 32 adjacent to the mouthpiece 30 is preferablypositioned directly beneath where the user places their mouth. This isbecause a person using the water pipe 10 will often tilt it toward themin order to keep from having to bend their backs in an uncomfortableposition while smoking. By this bending motion, the water will bedirected out of the secondary inlet 32 at a slightly different anglethan when the water pipe 10 is positioned perfectly upright. If thisangle is too steep and the secondary inlet 32 is incorrectly placed,then the water may be propelled slightly downward such that it will notcoat the entire inside surface 12 c of the main pipe 12. If thishappens, a portion of the inside surface will not be protected by the“liquid membrane” and the unit will not stay as clean in that exposedarea.

Since such tilt is typically toward the smoker, the optimum placement ofthe secondary inlet 32 is just below where the smoker puts their mouthon the mouthpiece 30. When tilting the water pipe 10 to a morecomfortable position, the water from the secondary inlet 32 will bedirected sideways along the inside surface 12 c of the main pipe 12 ifthe secondary inlet 32 is below the smokers mouth. This will allow thewater to completely encircle the inside surface 12 c without losingmomentum, still effectively covering the entire inside surface 12 c ofthe main pipe 12—even when tilted for use. This is the best way toensure the water will adequately cover the inside surface 12 c of themain pipe 12 in the case of tilting.

The connection between the secondary pipe 20 and the mouthpiece 30 ispreferably of a very particular shape. The secondary pipe 20 mustpenetrate the top 12 b of the main pipe 12 at a generally horizontalorientation and perpendicular to the direction of the central axis ofthe main pipe 12. This causes the outermost side of the secondary pipe20 (outermost in terms of relative distance from the central axis of themain pipe 12) meets the inside surface 12 c of the main pipe 12 with acontinuous surface. The secondary inlet 32 in the secondary pipe 20preferably aligns precisely with the inside surface 12 c of the mainpipe 12. Alternatively, the secondary pipe 20 can become part of a“channel mechanism” such that it completes another rotation around theinside surface 12 c of the main pipe 12 above the mouthpiece 30, toallow its outermost side to act as a pathway to guide the water flow. Ineither case the secondary inlet 32 must be located at a point on theinside surface 12 c that is closest to the smoker's mouth.

The secondary inlet 32 may be integral with the mouthpiece 30 such thatthe mouthpiece 30 includes a path 38 along the top of the inside surface12 c of the main pipe 12, where the secondary pipe 20 and main pipe 12meet. This path 38 is preferably semi-tubular or annular in shape, e.g.,a donut with the bottom and insides removed. The path 38 will channelthe water around the inside surface 12 c without allowing it to spill orsplash outward. This is another component that requires refinement. Ifthe path 38 that directs the water to flow around the inside surface 12c of the main pipe 12 sufficiently directs the water so that it isguided along with minimal friction, than the size of the pump unit 18can be minimized and the overall cost can be reduced.

With enough water volume moving through the secondary pipe 20, theinventive system will effectively coat the inside surface 12 c of themain pipe 12 with a water barrier until it reaches the water chamber 22at the bottom 12 a of the main pipe 12. If the water volume that isbeing pumped through the secondary pipe 20 is too low, then the cascadewon't entirely coat the inside surface 12 c of the main pipe 12.Instead, it will bead up or gaps before the water reaches water level 24in the water chamber 22. This would be problematic because the insidesurface 12 c would be exposed to residue and particulates in the gapareas.

As described above, the water is then drawn from the water chamber 22through the filter unit 16 and sent back through the pump unit 18 torepeat the cascade cycle again. The action is cyclical, meaning once thesystem is going, it will continue going until the pump unit 18 is shutoff.

As with prior water pipes 10 a in general, smoke is drawn into the mainpipe 12 by conventional means, e.g., smoking material is burned in thebowl 26, passes through the downstem pipe 14, through the water in thewater chamber 22, and up the main pipe 12 to the mouthpiece 30. The bowl26 is connected to the downstem pipe 14 by means of a glass-on-glassconnection. Once connected, an opening at the bottom of the bowl 26passes smoke into the downstem pipe 14. The downstem pipe 14 alsoconnects to the water chamber 22 with a typical glass-on-glassconnection to feeds the smoke into the water chamber 22. It is importantthat the outlet on the downstem pipe 14 is completely submerged in thewater chamber 22, in order to properly filter and cool the smoke. It isalso important that the downstem pipe 14 isn't submerged too deep intothe water chamber 22, in order to ensure no smoke gets captured in theforms of the pump unit 18.

If it is also desired to keep the downstem pipe 14 cleaned, then thesame may be connected to the filter unit 16 and the pump unit 18 by atertiary pipe 40, and a tertiary inlet 42 so that the inside surface 14c of the downstem pipe 14 is also coated with a water barrier. As shownin FIG. 8, the tertiary pipe 40 may run from a secondary outlet (notshown) on the pump unit 18, or split from the secondary pipe 20 as by aT-junction or similar connector. If the tertiary pipe 40 is included inthe water pipe 10, it will preferably operate in a similar manner asdescribed above for the secondary pipe 20 and secondary inlet 32 so asto achieve a water pipe 10 that stays clean from the bowl 26 to themouthpiece 30 for much longer durations of time.

The downstem pipe 14 preferably is a permanent part of the water pipe 10a and is accomplished by connecting the downstem pipe 14 to the mainpipe 12, so that the downstem pipe 14 ends flush with the inside surface12 c of the main tube 12 in the water chamber 22. Assuming the waterlevel 24 is above this downstem inlet, the downstem pipe 14 would thenbe able to transmit smoke through water without having an intrudingglass tube. Such an intruding glass tube that enters the water chambercould interfere with replacing the filter unit 16 is the same isreplaced by lifting through the top 12 b of the main pipe 12. In thiscase, if the downstem pipe 14 does not protrude into the water chamber22, then the filter unit 16 can encapsulate the downstem inlet byextending farther upward in the water chamber 22 than the downsteminlet. This would allow easy access to the filter unit 16 without havingto worry about damaging the downstem pipe 14 during filter replacement.This configuration would also allow the downstem pipe 14 to be cleanedusing the cyclical water system described above, and be connecteddirectly to the main tube.

The base attachment 34 houses the pump unit 18, the battery 28, thefilter unit 16, as well as, all miscellaneous electrical parts(switches, wiring, and power ports), and holds the main pipe 12 in placerelative to the filter unit 16 and other downstream components. Onepreferred assembly for the base attachment 34 is by using two separateportions 34 a, 34 b manufactured from plastic or similarly rigidmaterial. The base attachment 34 can be dissected in halves or otherproportions. Preferably, a first portion 34 a would house or containmost of the components, e.g., main pipe 12, filter unit 16, pump unit18, battery 28, and other electronics. The first portion 34 a would alsocontain any tubes to connect the pump unit 18 to the correspondingsecondary pipe 20 and/or tertiary pipe 40. In this case, the secondportion 34 b would simply enclose an opening in the first portion 34 aand would be designed to cover the components. Alternatively, thevarious components contained within the base attachment 34 could bedivided in any other matter among the first and second portions 34 a, 34b.

The second portion 34 b could attach to the top, bottom, or side of thefirst portion 34 a depending upon how the same is configured. Mountingon the bottom has been found to improve aesthetics. Mounting on the sideor top has been found to improve strength and security. Regardless, thesecond portion 34 b will be very helpful for preserving the differentparts in the base attachment 34, as well as expedite assembly. If thebase attachment 34 is configured with top and bottom portions, thebottom portion should be reinforced.

The miscellaneous electrical parts discussed above might include abattery/charging port, PCI, integrated circuit board, wiring, andswitches that are known to those skilled in the art of similarelectrical devices. They would preferably be mounted proximate to thepump unit 18 and should be sealed to protect from possible waterleakage. Wiring may be fed through the topmost part of a wall around thefilter unit 16, which is preferably in the center of the base attachment34, and would connect with the pump unit 18 on the other side of thewall. The PCI and Charging port could be wired together, and placed in aspecialized port above the battery 28. A hole in the battery compartmentwould allow power to feed through to the PCI, power switch, and pumpunit 18. The battery 28 is preferably held in the battery port with ascrews and a grommet. In an alternative design, the battery 28 could beremovable as by a removable cover.

The filter unit 16 would also preferably fit into the base attachment34, as through a hole in the bottom side. The filter unit 16 may bemaintained in the base attachment 34 through a cover that either hasmating threads for a threads on the inside of the hole, screw holes sothat the cover could be mounted with screws, or lugs and channels.

The pump unit 18 would preferably connect to the base attachment 34though universal threaded connectors. The inlet of the pump unit 18would meet the plastic end of a corresponding feed tube from the filterunit 16, and a threaded cap would come over the top of the inlet andthread directly onto the threads on the pump. This type of connectionallows the pump unit 18 to be stationary as it is fastened to the baseattachment 34, which saves space and makes assembly easier. The outletof the pump unit 18 would connect to the secondary pipe 20 and/ortertiary pipe 40, either directly or through corresponding plastic guidetubes passing out of the base attachment 34.

The base attachment 34 can be made out of a wide variety of materials,but it must join the main pipe 12, pump unit 18, filter unit 16, battery28, and secondary pipe 20. The battery 28 and pump unit 18 may beattached to the base attachment 34, or may be entirely enclosed in thebase attachment 34, since repeated access to these components are lessnecessary. The battery 28 must be entirely sealed so as to minimize anychance of exposure to water, which may damage or destroy the unit.

The preferred way to connect the base attachment 34 and the main pipe 12would be with 2 rubber grommets 44 designed to completely enclose andseal the flange on the bottom of the main pipe 12. Preferably, thesegrommets 44 accommodate the main pipe 12, the secondary pipe 20, and thetertiary pipe 40 (when present). The base attachment 34 would preferablyhave two or three guiding pipes 46, consisting of plastic piping thatextends several centimeters from the surface of the base attachment 34,and would correlate with the diameters of the pipes 12, 20, 40, in orderto place the pipe apparatus securely into the base.

The first grommet 44 a on the main pipe 12 would include openings forthe guiding pipes 46, and would fit into the base attachment 34 over thetop of the guiding pipes 46 at the exact diameter of the flange on themain pipe 12. The main pipe 12 is then fitted into the guiding pipes 46so that the flange rests on the first rubber grommet 44 a and over theguiding pipes 46. The second grommet 44 b would then cover the glassflange with a slightly excess margin, e.g., roughly ¼″ margin.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the base attachment parts 34 a,34 b would surround and enclose the grommets 44 a, 44 b to secure themain pipe 12 to the base attachment 34. In an alternative embodiment, abracket (not shown) could fit over the top of the grommets 44 a, 44 band would be secured by screws that feed directly into the baseattachment 34. The bottom part of the bracket would include either holesmeant for screws that would correspond with threaded holes in the baseattachment 34, or the bracket would include a threaded end to engagemating threads on the base attachment 34. Any of these methods ofattachment allows the main pipe 12 to be tightened directly into thebase attachment 34 without excess pressure being applied, whichminimizes the risk of fracturing or breaking in the main pipe 12. Oneadvantage of the later methods is that either of the screw threadattachments would allow the main pipe 12 and base attachment 34 to beseparated without opening the base attachment 34.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pump unit 18 is a batteryoperated pump having a battery 28 encased therein. This encased battery28 would allow the apparatus 10 to be used in any location without beingtied to an electrical outlet. In addition, the apparatus 10 may includetwo or more pumps depending upon the required pump pressure and numberof pipes, e.g., secondary pipe 20 and tertiary pipe 40.

The filter unit 16 is preferably in a location where it easily changed,as described above. The filter unit 16 may contain activated carboncharcoal to filter out toxins from the water. It should also incorporatea mechanical trapping filter (a mesh or similarly porous material) sothat any large particles are trapped and don't get drawn into the pumpunit 18. In addition, it is preferred to have a mechanical filter 16 athat extends above the downstem pipe 14 outlet in the water chamber 22.This is crucial because particles of debris will naturally float. Whenthe apparatus is turned off, the water level in the reservoir will risedue to the excess water released from the secondary pipe 20 (andtertiary pipe 40 is present). The floating debris will deposit on theinside surface 12 c of the main pipe 12 if they aren't trapped below thewater level 24, which would defeat the purpose of the self-cleaningwater pipe 10.

If not included in the pump unit 18, the battery 28 should be installedin the base attachment 34 securely so that water cannot reach it. Thetype of battery is preferably a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery orsimilar type. The battery 28 must produce a reliably high voltage tooperate the pump unit 18 with sufficient pressure, be rechargeable, andbe relatively compact and lightweight in comparison to other batterytypes. The battery 28 may be mounted so that it stays stationary in theunit, or it can be made to be replaced so that the user does not need towait for the unit to charge between uses.

The self-cleaning water pipe 10 described herein has a number ofparticular features that should preferably be employed in combination,although each is useful separately without departure from the scope andspirit of the invention. Although a preferred embodiment has beendescribed in detail for purposes of illustration, various modificationsmay be made without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as bythe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-cleaning water pipe, comprising: a mainpipe having a smoke chamber with a mouthpiece at a first end and a waterchamber at a second end, wherein the mouthpiece, smoke chamber, andwater chamber are in fluid communication; a downstem pipe passingthrough a side wall of the main pipe, the downstem pipe having a firstend adapted to receive a burn bowl and a second end in fluidcommunication with the water chamber; a filter unit in fluidcommunication with the water chamber; a pump unit in fluid communicationwith the filter unit; and a secondary pipe having a first end in fluidcommunication with the pump unit and a second end connected to asecondary inlet on the main pipe proximate to the mouthpiece and influid communication with the smoke chamber.
 2. The self-cleaning waterpipe of claim 1, wherein the secondary inlet is connected to the mainpipe immediately adjacent to the mouthpiece.
 3. The self-cleaning waterpipe of claim 1, wherein the secondary inlet is connected to the mainpipe at an approximately tangential angle relative to a side of the mainpipe.
 4. The self-cleaning water pipe of claim 3, wherein the secondarypipe is configured to inject water into the smoke chamber in a generallylateral orientation relative to a central axis of the main pipe.
 5. Theself-cleaning water pipe of claim 1, wherein the secondary pipe wrapsaround the main pipe in a helix.
 6. The self-cleaning water pipe ofclaim 1, further comprising a tertiary pipe having a first end in fluidcommunication with the pump unit and a second end connected to atertiary inlet proximate to the first end of the downstem pipe and influid communication an interior of the downstem pipe.
 7. Theself-cleaning water pipe of claim 6, wherein the first end of thetertiary pipe is connected to the secondary pipe proximate to the pumpunit.
 8. The self-cleaning water pipe of claim 1, wherein the pump unitis adapted to force liquid through the secondary pipe to the secondaryinlet under sufficient pressure such that the liquid swirls completelyaround an interior surface of the smoke chamber proximate to themouthpiece.
 9. A self-cleaning water pipe, comprising: a main pipehaving a smoke chamber with a mouthpiece at a first end and a waterchamber at a second end, wherein the mouthpiece, smoke chamber, andwater chamber are in fluid communication; a downstem pipe passingthrough a side wall of the main pipe, the downstem pipe having a firstend adapted to receive a burn bowl and a second end in fluidcommunication with the water chamber; a filter unit in fluidcommunication with the water chamber; a pump unit in fluid communicationwith the filter unit; and a secondary pipe having a first end in fluidcommunication with the pump unit and a second end connected to asecondary inlet on the main pipe immediately adjacent to the mouthpieceand in fluid communication with the smoke chamber, wherein the secondaryinlet is connected to the main pipe at an approximately tangential anglerelative to a side of the main pipe.
 10. The self-cleaning water pipe ofclaim 9, wherein the secondary pipe is configured to inject water intothe smoke chamber in a generally lateral orientation relative to acentral axis of the main pipe.
 11. The self-cleaning water pipe of claim9, wherein the secondary pipe wraps around the main pipe in a helix. 12.The self-cleaning water pipe of claim 9, further comprising a tertiarypipe having a first end in fluid communication with the pump unit and asecond end connected to a tertiary inlet proximate to the first end ofthe downstem pipe and in fluid communication an interior of the downstempipe.
 13. The self-cleaning water pipe of claim 12, wherein the firstend of the tertiary pipe is connected to the secondary pipe proximate tothe pump unit.
 14. The self-cleaning water pipe of claim 9, wherein thepump unit is adapted to force liquid through the secondary pipe to thesecondary inlet under sufficient pressure such that the liquid swirlscompletely around an interior surface of the smoke chamber proximate tothe mouthpiece.
 15. A self-cleaning water pipe, comprising: a main pipehaving a smoke chamber with a mouthpiece at a first end and a waterchamber at a second end, wherein the mouthpiece, smoke chamber, andwater chamber are in fluid communication; a downstem pipe passingthrough a side wall of the main pipe, the downstem pipe having a firstend adapted to receive a burn bowl and a second end in fluidcommunication with the water chamber; a filter unit in fluidcommunication with the water chamber; a pump unit in fluid communicationwith the filter unit; a secondary pipe having a first end in fluidcommunication with the pump unit and a second end connected to asecondary inlet on the main pipe proximate to the mouthpiece and influid communication with the smoke chamber, wherein the secondary pipewraps around the main pipe in a helix; and a tertiary pipe having afirst end in fluid communication with the pump unit and a second endconnected to a tertiary inlet proximate to the first end of the downstempipe and in fluid communication an interior of the downstem pipe. 16.The self-cleaning water pipe of claim 15, wherein the secondary inlet isconnected to the main pipe immediately adjacent to the mouthpiece. 17.The self-cleaning water pipe of claim 15, wherein the secondary inlet isconnected to the main pipe at an approximately tangential angle relativeto a side of the main pipe.
 18. The self-cleaning water pipe of claim17, wherein the secondary pipe is configured to inject water into thesmoke chamber in a generally lateral orientation relative to a centralaxis of the main pipe.
 19. The self-cleaning water pipe of claim 15,wherein the first end of the tertiary pipe is connected to the secondarypipe proximate to the pump unit.
 20. The self-cleaning water pipe ofclaim 15, wherein the pump unit is adapted to force liquid through thesecondary pipe to the secondary inlet under sufficient pressure suchthat the liquid swirls completely around an interior surface of thesmoke chamber proximate to the mouthpiece.